Why You Don’t Need to Know What to Do in Front of the Camera

Let’s start with a confession:

Most people think they’re awkward in photos.

In fact, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard:

“I’m awkward in photos.”

or

“I never know what to do with my hands.”

I’d probably be able to buy another camera lens.

If you’ve ever thought either of those things, I have good news for you.  Almost everyone feels that way.

The people you see sharing beautiful family photos online? Chances are they felt awkward too. The difference isn’t that they suddenly became comfortable in front of a camera. It’s that they gave themselves permission to stop trying to be perfect.

The truth is, my job isn’t to photograph professional models. My job is to photograph real people.

Real people laugh at the wrong moment. They blink. They make goofy faces. They aren’t always sure where to stand. And sometimes the best photographs happen because of those very things.

Stop Worrying About Looking Perfect
The photographs people treasure most years later are rarely the ones where everyone looks flawless.

They’re the ones that remind them how a moment felt.

Let Someone Else Be the Director

Many people arrive at a session feeling pressure to know exactly how to pose.

You don’t need to.

That’s my job.

I’ll guide you through the entire session with simple prompts and directions. I’ll tell you where to stand, where to look, and what to do. You don’t need to memorize poses or spend hours practicing in the mirror.
Just show up.

We’ll figure it out together.

A Little Secret About Photographers

Can I tell you something?

Most photographers feel awkward when they’re the ones in front of the camera too.
We know exactly how uncomfortable it can feel to suddenly become the subject instead of the person behind the lens.

So if you’re nervous, you’re in very good company.

And while we’re being honest, I get nervous too.

You might be worried about being in front of the camera. I’m worried about doing a great job for you.

I want you to enjoy the experience. I want you to feel comfortable. And most of all, I want you to walk away with photographs you’ll be glad you took.

That’s why I come armed with corny jokes, fun questions, and simple prompts designed to lighten the mood and help you connect with the people you’re with. Before long, the focus shifts away from the camera and back to what matters most—engaging with each other.

The good news is that neither of us has to be perfect.

We’re simply showing up, creating memories, and trusting the process together. So let’s relax, have some fun, and make something meaningful.

Focus on the People, Not the Camera

One of the easiest ways to relax during a session is to stop thinking about the camera altogether.

Instead, focus on the people you’re with.
Talk to them.

Laugh with them.

Share a memory.

Tell an inside joke.

Look at them instead of worrying about looking at me.

When your attention shifts from the camera to the people you love, the photographs naturally become more genuine.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is connection.

Years from now, no one will care whether you felt awkward for the first five minutes of a photo session. They’ll care that you were there. That you stepped in front of the camera. That you made the memory. And that someone took the photograph.

Because the people who love you aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for you.

-Janice